Loosely based on real life events, Shogun by James Clavell is the epic narrative of the rise of the daimyo Toranaga and the events leading to the Battle of Sekigahara. Set in feudal Japan in 1600, this is - chronologically - the first novel of the author’s Asian Saga, and gives us a fascinating slice of history, as pilot John Blackthorne, the first English pilot to reach Japan, becomes more than just a casual observer of events.
The overwhelming genius of this epic was, for me, its ability to transport me to a whole new world, and then leave a deep enough impact as to make me one with that world - not just in familiarity with its houses with their shoji screens and tatami mats surrounded by neat gardens with streams and waterfalls and pebbles; or its exotic Cha-no-yu ceremonies, or its small bowls of artistically arranged rice and fish and soup; or even its dainty geisha in gorgeous kimono and its heroic samurai and their bushido … While I have for quite some time held a great fascination for the country and its culture, this book introduced to me, the very soul of Japan, the essence of Karma, of Kami, of Shinto itself.
Built on the foundation of a great political drama, this story has some of the more unforgettable characters I have ever read about. From the powerful lord Yoshinaga Toranaga to the shrewd daimyo Kasigi Yabu; from the dubiously loyal samurai Kasigi Omi to the formidable Ishido, from the wily Rodrigues to the staunch Jesuit Father Martin Alvito; and of course John Blackthorne, who grows from being an English pilot to becoming Anjin-san … every character was such a rich and in-depth showcase of human nature. Without question, however, the greatest character of this story was Lady Toda Mariko. Be it the pride in talking about her ancient civilization to a Western listener, or her grace in dealing with racial attacks from a Portuguese sailor, or her final confrontation with Ishido and the Council of Regents at Osaka Castle, her poise, bravery and intelligence held me in absolute awe throughout.
Standing at the crossroads of time and culture, this clash between Buddhism and Christianity, between the way of the samurai and the onset of guns wove a memorable story around the race toward a game changing Shogunate.
Arigato gozaimasu. Sayonara.
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